If you have a desire to end your life, talk to someone about your feelings and your pain, or call for HELP! Many people care about you.

There is no typical suicide victim. Youth of all races, creeds, incomes and educational levels attempt or complete suicide.

Even children ages 9 to 12 have thoughts about suicide. "It's not just a teen problem. They don't want to die, they just don't want to live," said Staci Cornwall. ("Live KSPS broadcast will shine light on teen suicide," by Gary Graham, The Spokesman-Review, September 15, 2015)

Teachers and All Adults. “What every teacher (and parent) should know about preventing youth suicide.”

“The statistics are shocking: an average of two youths kill themselves each week in Washington making suicide the second leading cause of death for our state’s young people. One out of every 13 high school-aged students reported having attempted suicide; one out of 4 reported having seriously considered it. Suicide is not just a problem in adolescence—children as young as 10 years old have killed themselves.

“It is more important than ever that teachers help prevent youth suicide. Adolescents who die by suicide are most likely to be clinically depressed when they complete suicide. By knowing how to spot the early warning signs and understanding what to do if you identify a student at risk, you could literally save the life of a child.” (Read “What every teacher should know about preventing youth suicide,” Washington State Dept. of Health’s Suicide brochure, 2004)

“Teens are more comfortable talking about suicide than their parents are. Suicide talk is becoming part of the culture of these kids. As we get into social media, it is going out in ways that we have never seen before. Social media is different and faster than previous generations. They check their phones hundreds of times each day, and that is an influence previous generations never dealt with. Information they receive in the media is not always accurate on a situation, and the kids have to deal with that pressure. Adults need to overcome any discomfort and be willing to engage teens in this conversation.” (Sabrina Votava)

"The brains of teens are still maturing till the 20’s, as they learn coping strategies and skills. Teens look to one another for help from friends, and are less inclined to reach out to an adult." (Jill Royston) "Teen brains are not yet fully formed and they are not strong at problem-solving when it comes to complex issues. Students struggle with the pressure of doing well and not disappointing their parents," said David Crump. ("Live KSPS broadcast will shine light on teen suicide," by Gary Graham, The Spokesman-Review, September 15, 2015)

We find that adults are usually hesitant to use the “S” word (suicide). They are afraid to ask it. By asking it, in no way does it shape or form or encourage suicidal behavior - it has been proven. We want to help them feel that they can ask, and get the staff to be aware and to be able to know how to ask and know that there are resources to do that.” (David Crump)

Parents should know that when professionals speak with their clients about suicidal thoughts, their clients are not upset; instead, they are pleased that their therapist or doctor cares and is concerned. (Andrew Seely)

The rate of teen suicides is growing rapidly, according to the CDC. Since the year 2000, the suicide rate for teens is up 28%, with an average of 5 deaths a day.

”Teens are much more likely now than they were just five years ago, or seven years ago, to say that they are anxious and depressed and thinking about suicide," said Jean Twenge, a psychologist at San Diego State University.

Girls. The CDC also says suicide rates for teenage girls and young women ages 15-19 has reached a 40-year high.

Boys. Suicide rates for boys 15 to 19 has increased more than 30% from 2007 to 2015, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. Experts cite family instability and substance use as some factors for suicide, but the role of cyber-bullying is becoming more prevalent. It involves teasing, name calling, harassment, exclusion, and more.

There appears to be a correlation between the popularity of smartphones and an increased rates of suicide and depression among young people, according to Professor Jean Twenge, a psychologist at San Diego State University. “Teens are much more likely now than they were just 5 or 7 years ago to say that they are anxious and depressed and thinking about suicide.” Twinge makes a correlation between the popularity of smartphones and an increased rate of suicide and depression among young people.

"Teens who use electronic devices more hours a day are more likely to be a risk for suicide." Twenge says the so-called smartphone generation is less likely to have face-to-face interaction with friends, which she says is crucial to mental health and building social skills. (Source: Smartphones, cyberbullying seen as possible causes of rising teen suicide rate, by Jericka Duncan, August 4, 2017)

Washington youth suicide rate is higher than the national average. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24 in Washington. Thankfully, suicide is relatively rare; but it happens enough that our lawmakers now require schools to come up with a gaining plan to recognize the signs. The Washington State legislature is calling suicide a public health issue, and passed a bill to help vulnerable students, beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, requiring each school district to adopt a plan for recognizing, screening and responding to emotional or behavior stress in students, including indicators of possible substance abuse, violence and youth suicide. (See the State’s Youth Suicide Prevent Program, including warning signs, at http://www.yspp.org/) (Source: KREM 2 News, May 1, 2014 and Washington State Dept. of Health)

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program at North Central High School in Spokane which trained 22 volunteer students in the skills to help their peers who appear to be developing a mental health problem, or experiencing a personal crisis. This training was a one-day 8-hour class held on a Saturday, and they trained 22 teens on how to deal with a crisis situation, recognizing warning signs, and how to help a friend in a crisis. Just as you don't need to be a doctor to perform CPR, students do not need to have a degree to feel empowered to step in. Students Marie Chapman and John Schuster say that parents don't realize the degree of stress in high school - pressure to be a 4.0 student, valedictorian, get into a prestigious college, or get onto Varsity in sports - which contribute to depression.

In the State of Washington, children age 13 and up can consent to treatment without the consent of a parent. If a teen is suicidal or homicidal, parents can use the Parent-Initiated Treatment Act to get treatment for their children. (Andrew Seely)

“The brains of suicidal individuals have decreased activity in the problem-solving area. Some of the great predictors of suicide are helplessness and hopelessness and feeling trapped. When the problem-solving area of the brain is not functioning properly, that can really push people to those feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Suicidal ideation can have a healing effect on individuals. Suicidal thinking has been shown to release endorphins (natural pain killers), so it can almost become an addictive way of thinking. It can then be difficult to escape that toe of thinking. Treatment can help retrain and treat these brains. (Andrew Seely)

Source of information on this page: Teen Suicide, Health Matters, KSPS TV, Spokane, WA, September 17, 2015; Hosted by Teresa Lukens, with the following guests:

Sabrina Votava of the (former) Youth Suicide Prevention Program and Prevent Suicide Spokane; provided training of youth, parents and staff; warning signs, how to have the conversation with someone who is struggling, community resources for help, coalition for suicide prevention. Sabrina is currently directing FailSafe for Life.

Among American teens age 15-19, the second leading cause of death is suicide. ("Real Life Drama," Adults Fear Netflix Show '13 Reasons Why' Glamorizes Teen Suicide," tony Dokoupil, CBS Correspondent, CBS News, April 28, 2017)

“Nationwide, suicide is the third leading cause [of death] for youth ages 10 to 24; and in Washington state, it is the second leading cause of death,” said Sabrina Votava, president of Failsafe for Life, an organization with the goal of ending suicide attempts and deaths in our community. (Source: Recent teen deaths spark suicide prevention conversation,” by Grace Ditzier, KXLY TV, April 20, 2017)

Five Spokane students ages 14 to 17, including 3 in a one-month span, took their lives in the 2014-2015 school year, the highest number in the history of the Spokane School District. Four of the 5 communicated that they wanted to commit suicide. Christine Moore of Spokane Public Schools emphasized parents and others should take it seriously when a student expresses thoughts of suicide. (Health Matters, KSPS, September 2015; and "Live KSPS broadcast will shine light on teen suicide," by Gary Graham, The Spokesman-Review, September 15, 2015)

One out of 5 Washington teens said that they had seriously thought about suicide. It is not just kids on the outside, but teens who seem to ‘have it all’ are taking their own lives. (Teen Suicide, Health Matters, KSPS TV, Spokane, September 17, 2015)

“Depression is the #1 risk factor for suicide. Substance (alcohol and illicit drugs) is the 2nd most common risk factor. Ninety percent of people who die by suicide are dealing with some sort of diagnosable mental illness at the time of their passing, and for about 60% of those folks it’s depression. Suicide training entails youth depression and how it differs from adult depression. (Sabrina Votava and David Crump)

Among youth in 2014, 33%
reported being depressed in the last year in Spokane County. Depression
among youth decreased as maternal education level increased, increased
as age increased, and was more likely among females, Hispanics, and
multi-racial youth. (Spokane Counts 2015, Spokane Regional Health
District)

In 2011, the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 is suicide. ("Suicide," Health of Washington State, Washington State Dept. of Health, April 17, 2013)

Twice as many Americans die at their own
hands than are killed by other people. According to National Institute
of Mental Health figures, in 2004 the United States had 32,439
suicides—double the number of murder victims. To learn more about
suicide statistics and prevention, visit the National Institute of
Mental Health’s website at http://nimh.nih.gov.

What You Can Do

“Watch for Signs—Stop Youth Suicide.”

“If a youngperson you knowseems depressedor gloomy and hasbeen spendinga lot of timequestioningwhy life is worththe bother,it’s time to payattention.”

"The vast majority of suicides are preventable. Just talking about suicide is not going to encourage suicide. Actually, it is an intervention." (David Crump)

If you are contemplating suicide, remember - there are many people who love and care about you. They want to see you live, succeed, and contribute to their lives. Let someone know you need help.

Signs to watch for:

Most suicidal young people don't really want to die—they
just want their pain to end. About 80% of the time, people who kill
themselves have given definite signals or talked about suicide. There
are several signs to watch for that may indicate someone is thinking
about suicide. The more signs, the greater the risk. The key to
prevention is knowing what the warning signs are, and what to do to
help.

A previous suicide attempt.

Current talk of suicide, or making a plan.

Strong wish to die, preoccupation with death

Saying, "People are better off without me."

Giving away prized posessions.

Signs of serious depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness.

Withdrawal from friends.

Spend a lot of time alone.

Increased alcohol and/or other drug use.

Decreased sleep and fatigue.

Recent suicide attempt by a friend/family member.

Stress from endless testing in school.

In teens, we often see irritability and anger as more common symptoms for youth than adults. The warning signs for teens are: FACTS

F - How are they Feeling? A - How are they Acting?C - Have they had Changes in their behavior?T - Have they made Threats?S - What is their Situation like? (Sabrina Votava)

There are other key “risk factors”
to keep in mind that increase the likelihood of suicide attempts by
young people. Again, the more signs observed, the greater the risk.

Readily accessible firearms.

Impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks.

Lack of connection to family and friends (no one to talk to).

Prevention Steps

If you are worried about a young person and suicide has crossed your mind as a concern, trust your judgment. Do something now!

Here is what you might do and say to a young person who is thinking about suicide:

Show You Care. Connect with that person (and then keep checking with them thereafter). The first
steps toward instilling a sense of hope are showing your concern,
raising the issue, and listening to and understanding the young person’s
feelings. Keep moving forward, together. Here are some
non-threatening things you might say to a young person considering
suicide:

“Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better.”“I know where we can get some help.”“I will stay with you…Let’s call the crisis line.”“I can go with you to where we can get some help.”“Let’s talk to someone who can help…let’s call the crisis line, now.”“It’s difficult to know what to do, but I know where we can get some help.”“You’re not alone. Let me help you.”

Let the person know you really care. Talk about your feelings and what you have noticed. Ask about his or hers. feelings. Listen carefully to what they have to say.

“I’m concerned about you…about how you feel.”“Tell me about your pain.”“You mean a lot to me and I want to help.”“I care about you, about how you’re holding up.”“I don’t want you to kill yourself.”“We’ll get through this.”

Ask the Question

Don’t hesitate to raise the subject.
Talking with young people about suicide won’t put the idea in their
heads. Chances are, if you’ve observed any of the warning signs,
they’re already thinking about it. Be direct in a caring,
non-confrontational way. Get the conversation started.

“Are you thinking about suicide?”“What thoughts or plans do you have?”“Are you thinking about harming yourself, ending your life?”“How long have you been thinking about suicide?”“Have you thought about how you would do it?”“Do you have _____?” (Insert the lethal means they have mentioned.)“Do you really want to die? Or do you want the pain to go away?”

Restrict any means of committing suicide at the time of a crisis, to keep them safe.

Males are 4 times more likely to commit and complete suicide, mostly because they choose the more fatal methods, such as firearms. The method of completing suicide has been firearms, suffocation (including hanging) and poisoning. That is why firearms must be locked up; and medication needs to be monitored and locked up.

Females attempt suicide more often, but they do not use such fatal methods. So, at that point of crisis, if it is available, that is where we need to be very careful. (David Crump)

Connect them to help. If someone says they are going to hurt themselves, call the police, friends, therapist, acquaintances, and every resource
you can find. Now is not the time to keep a confidentiality.

Call for Help. Get help immediately! If the young person
has expressed an immediate plan, or has access to a gun or other
potentially deadly means, do not leave him or her alone:

Call 911

First Call for Help - Frontier Behavioral Health in Spokane(509) 838-4428

National HOPE Line1-800-SUICIDE

Spokane Regional Health District(509) 324-1596

Stop School Bullying and Violence. Encourage students to form new friendships and help stop bullying, violence, and social isolation in their schools. Many students feel bullied, left out, alone, misunderstood, without friends, or invisible. These painful feelings lead to social isolation, which is often a precursor to bullying. These feelings are often highlighted at lunchtime, when kids are left to fend for themselves socially. Unfortunately, for some students, lunchtime is the hardest part of their day. Everyone needs to know that others genuinely care about them, and some schools are doing something about that.

We Dine Together is a club at Boca Raton Community High School in Florida, where students make sure that no one in school sits alone at lunch. The message is to make outsiders always feel included, valued and accepted by their peers. It consists of students (including the coolest kids in school) who roam their school’s courtyard during lunch looking for students who are eating alone. They introduce themselves, and talk with them to get to know the students and help them feel accepted. Open a We Dine Together Chapter at your school! https://www.nooneeatsalone.org/questions/

No One Eats Alone is another program designed to help students make an effort to eat a meal with their new classmates and peers. This lunchtime event seeks to reverse the trends of social isolation by asking students to engage in a simple act of kindness at lunch - making sure that no one is eating alone. Learn more at https://www.nooneeatsalone.org/questions/

Crisis Response Services – Frontier Behavioral HealthSouth 107 DivisionSpokane, WA 99202 (509) 838-4651 Emergency
services are available and accessible to all Spokane County residents,
24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365 days a year regardless of age,
culture, mental health coverage and without need for pre-authorization
based on medical necessity criteria.

Elder Services Crisis Intervention services: 5125 N. Market Spokane, WA 99217(509) 838-4428Elder
Services provides information and assistance to older people and case
management for frail, isolated, at-risk elders living in the community.
The gatekeeper model is used to locate at-risk elders. Respite
services for caregivers, and volunteer transportation to medical
services for the elderly are also provided. The program focuses on
maintaining clients in their own homes, and is a unique blend of mental
health and aging services.

Frontier Behavioral Health - Family Service Spokane (509) 838-4128 7 South Howard - Suite 321, Spokane, WA 99201 151 South Washington, Spokane, WA 99201 112 North University - Suite 100, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Counselors
are trained in suicide prevention. Ongoing mental health counseling for
families, groups, individuals, and marriages is offered. Open to all
ages. All insurances and some medical coupons accepted. Clients need to
have insurance and medical coupons available when scheduling
appointment. Call to make an appointment, no walk-ins. Frontier Behavioral Health - Spokane Mental Health (509) 838-4651 107 South DivisionSpokane, WA 99202 Outpatient
mental health and psychiatric services are available to all ages. A
comprehensive intake assessment for new clients is provided, which
includes a suicide risk assessment. Suicide risk is assessed on an
ongoing basis and services are provided as appropriate. Follow-up
services are provided. Walk in or call to schedule an appointment.

(509) 458-5889 Email: inlandpshychiatry@gmail.comA
collaborative practice of psychiatrists and therapists who are highly
trained to help with life's challenges. We work with children,
adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Staff is highly skilled and
trained in the latest treatment methods.

Veteran’s Affairs Medical CenterContact: Kevin Bratcher or John David (509) 434-72884815 N. Asembly Spokane, WA 99205Crisis Intervention services. Services include: Walk-in
services, voluntary in-patient program, emergency room, risk
management/CQI team and CDM HP’s. Providers are trained in Question,
Persuade, Refer & Train—for suicide prevention. Walk-ins are welcome. AGE OF CONSENT: Age
of consent for mental health treatment in Washington State is age 13.
This means that youth 13 and older have the right to make their own
medical decisions and can request or refuse treatment.

SUICIDE SUPPORT SERVICESAging and Long Term Care

1222 N. PostSpokane, WA 99201Contact: Nick Beamer (509) 458-2509The
mission of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is to promote
well-being, independence, dignity, and choice for all SENIORS and
for individuals needing long term care in Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille,
Spokane and Whitman Counties. Case management includes home visits and
the care givers report to the agency.

Hospice of Spokane (509) 456-0438 http://www.hospiceofspokane.org121 South Arthur St.Spokane, WA 99201 Grief
counseling and support services available to any Spokane County
resident who has lost a loved one, whether or not the loved one was a
client of hospice. Counseling services available Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.
Call to schedule an appointment; group walk-ins welcome.

safeTALK Sabrina Votara – (509) 475-7334 http://www.yspp.orgsafeTALK
is a 3-hour training that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to
identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide
first aid resources.

SMILE (Students Mastering Important Life skills Education)PO Box 30357Spokane, WA 99223Contact: Christy Toribara, (509) 448-8886We
help at-risk youth (ages 0-25) develop positive life skills and the
ability to deal with emotional pain and life challenges. We focus on
teaching coping skills to youth before they become at-risk.

...this is the end of the Spokane Reg. Health District’slist of Suicide Prevention Programs(printed October 2012)